Sony SLT Alpha 65 versus rival model with similar score

Further readings for the Sony SLT Alpha 65

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After the introduction of the entry-level 24Mpix D3200 early last year it seemed inevitable that the rest of the firm’s APS-C (DX) range would be refreshed with the same sensor. While the gestation of the new 24Mpix D5200 has taken longer than most people could of reasonably predicted, the sensor is, in fact, a new design and the first from a different vendor for Nikon. We’ve recently put the new camera through our labs, read on to see how the new sensor performs.

Committed to retaining its sales lead in numerous countries, Canon views its new EOS 650D as a strategically important product. What improvements can we see with respect to its sensor, which Canon claims is new? How does this latest camera in the EOS line compare with its predecessor, the EOS 600D, and with its rivals, the Nikon D3200 and the Sony SLT-A65? The answers lie in our sensor test results for the 650D.

We are already acquainted with the D3200: apart from a few ergonomic details, it’s the same camera as the compact and lightweight D3100 SLR, though missing the secondary display on its bridge for even greater compactness. The D3200 weighs only 454 grams (without battery or card). Unlike the D3100, the D3200’s lens is off-center for better balance and the highly practical LiveView/video mode activation tab of the D3100 and the D5100 has disappeared in favor of a more ergonomically mundane video recording button. The D3200 comes with a second (dorsal) infrared sensor to complement its front sensor for more practical infrared remote control. The motor selection tab (single-frame, burst, timer, remote control) is gone as well, again replaced by a direct-access button.

Today, Sony announced the SLT Alpha 57. This new model replaces the one and a half years old SLT A55 translucent mirror DSLR. comes with some interesting improvements in particular for its continuous shooting and auto focus.

Ever since we tested the Sony SLT A77, we’ve been very curious to see how the soon-to-be released Sony NEX 7 would compare. And today we have the answer: as we expected, the absence of a mirror gives the NEX7 some advantages. Below is a detailed look.

When the Sony A77 was announced a couple of weeks ago as a replacement for the Sony Alpha 700, Sony’s semi-professional APS-C camera, we were all very impressed by its specifications. So we were really excited to see how it would perform in our tests.

Comments

Why the high ISO advantage for a77 over a65?

I understand that, due to the lower/larger ISO range of the a77 that it would receive a higher overall sensor score than the a65 (greater dynamic range, color). But as they both use the same sensor, why does the a65 score around 700 in the high ISO test, while the a77 scores around 800?

First replies for this comment

Re: Why the high ISO advantage for a77 over a65?

I don't see an advantage. From among the A77, A65, and NEX-7, all of which use the same sensor, the A77 and A65 have almost identical scores for SNR 18% and Dynamic Range. You may also notice that the SLTs' scores are a little bit shy of the scores for the NEX-7, no doubt due to the light lost to the PDAF system via the "Translucent Mirror".